In the Free State, an 80-year-old man has been apprehended by police for murder and defeating the ends of justice. This arrest follows the grim discovery of a body on a farm located between Kroonstad and Welkom on 20 August 2025, an incident that has sent ripples of concern and outrage through the local community.
Police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele confirmed that the arrest resulted from a tip-off from the community, leading authorities to a farm where, according to reports, the remains of the deceased were found buried. The decomposition state of the body necessitated the collection of DNA samples, which are now under analysis to confirm the deceased’s identity.
“A task team from Bloemfontein followed leads that brought them to the rural site, where the remains were recovered,” Makhele stated. “A docket has been opened on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. It can be confirmed that the elderly man has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.” Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of more arrests as the investigation unfolds.
Adding to the eerie aura surrounding this incident, the suspect’s grandfather, Dr Koos Troskie, made significant claims to the media. He implied a history of violence, stating, “I have killed before and will kill again if I am attacked on my farm.” Troskie also described a previous encounter where he was allegedly shot at from outside his residence but escaped unscathed. Following that incident, he asserted his right to retaliate, indicating a belief that threats to his farmland justified deadly force.
The disturbing revelations have attracted the attention of local political groups. Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Free State have expressed their outrage and have threatened to shut down Dr Troskie’s medical practice in direct response to the discovery of the body. Demonstrators gathered outside his surgery, demanding justice and accountability from local authorities in light of the violent allegations swirling around the family.